In a significant move following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels. The channels, which collectively boast over 63 million subscribers, include prominent news outlets such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, Geo News, and individual creators like former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. The government cited the dissemination of provocative and communally sensitive content, as well as false narratives and misinformation against India, its military, and security agencies, as the primary reasons for the action.   
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily Hindu tourists. In the aftermath, India accused Pakistan-based groups of involvement, a claim that Islamabad has denied, calling for an independent investigation into the incident. 
The blocked channels, including Shoaib Akhtar’s personal channel, were reportedly found to be spreading content that could incite communal tensions and propagate misleading narratives about the attack. While the official government list includes 16 channels, other Pakistani YouTube channels, such as those of Basit Ali and Umar Cheema, have also been inaccessible to Indian viewers, possibly due to the broader crackdown.  
In addition to the media restrictions, the Indian government has expressed concerns over international media coverage of the attack. The BBC, in particular, has been criticized for referring to the attackers as “militants” rather than “terrorists.” The Ministry of External Affairs has conveyed its strong sentiments to the BBC, urging more accurate reporting. 
This series of actions underscores the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack and highlights the role of media in shaping public perception during times of crisis.